Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the orientation of limbal epithelial cell movement in rabbits. Methods: We performed the 360 degree, 2 mm width autologous limbal transplantation in situ(directed corneal end toward cornea and conjunctival end toward conjunctiva) and in versus manner. We observed the cornea using slit lamp, light microscope, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence stain, and confocal microscope. Results: Under slit lamp, cornea appeared no new vessels and clear in both manner. No goblet cells and normal epithelial arrangement were showed under LM. Positive stains for cornea specific AK2 and AE5 and negative stains for goblet cell–specific AM3 were noted in both manner. Under confocal microscope, dye–uptaken limbal epithelial cells moved toward corneal center in both specimens. Conclusions: We confirmed that limbal epithelial cells in rabbits have the uniform nature of moving toward corneal center at any positions.
Keywords: cornea: epithelium